{"id":1786,"date":"2019-06-21T09:58:16","date_gmt":"2019-06-21T16:58:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.piercecountywa.gov\/executive\/?p=1786"},"modified":"2023-06-26T13:34:58","modified_gmt":"2023-06-26T20:34:58","slug":"a-human-touch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.piercecountywa.gov\/executive\/2019\/06\/21\/a-human-touch\/","title":{"rendered":"A human touch"},"content":{"rendered":"

Every day, I have challenging conversations with our colleagues and those outside the County about our work to build a brighter future for the people of Pierce County.\u00a0 Many of those conversations revolve around more and better jobs, safeguarding and enhancing our natural environment, strengthening our educational options \u2013 improving the quality of life for our residents.\u00a0 When I have these future-focused discussions, I am comforted knowing that the people in our Human Services Department are clearly focused on helping those in our community who need assistance today<\/u>.<\/p>\n

If you have never had the chance to visit our Human Services team, the amazing staff of compassionate professionals would impress you.\u00a0 They are an extremely diverse group \u2013 coming from multiple countries and speaking many languages \u2013 all united by a heart for serving people who need help \u2013 for them, it is as much a personal mission as a job.<\/p>\n

[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”36″ gal_title=”Human Services”]<\/p>\n

And the programs that we provide and residents we support are nearly are varied as our team! They range from hundreds of our littlest ones in the Early Learning (ECAEP) classes to the thousands of seniors cared for through the Aging and Disability Resources division.\u00a0 We help hundreds of veterans – those who have served us first!\u00a0 Many times, this service can be a one-time action, like helping with an emergency home repair, or sometimes it is a combination of services and a long-term relationship.\u00a0 Often, we are helping someone respond to a crisis in their life, but we are also focused on prevention.\u00a0 The support may come through making a home more energy efficient, or helping a person battle addiction.<\/p>\n

Take a second to view this At-A-Glance summary<\/a> , describing their work in 2018.\u00a0 But be careful.\u00a0 You can tend to become amazed at the numbers.\u00a0 While numbers are important, the key lies in the name of the department \u2013 and the all caps heading of the summary \u2013 HUMAN.\u00a0 Behind each number is a person<\/u> who needed help and is supported by a person<\/u> in our department.<\/p>\n

This is vital work and it requires a talented and compassionate leader.\u00a0 I\u2019m delighted to share with you that we have found such a person in Heather Moss.<\/p>\n

Heather has an impressive combination of experience and skills that make her an ideal person to lead Human Services as their new director. She brings both the heart and the head to this work!\u00a0 Heather has accepted the position and will begin in mid-July, pending Council confirmation.<\/p>\n

Most recently, Heather served as Deputy Secretary of the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families. \u00a0Previously, Heather served as the Director of the Washington State Department of Early Learning.\u00a0\u00a0 She also worked as a Senior Policy Analyst for the Washington State Office of Financial Management.\u00a0 Notably, Heather is a long-time resident of Pierce County and lives in downtown Tacoma.\u00a0 So she is exchanging a commute to Olympia for a 10-minute walk to her office!<\/p>\n

The Human Services\u2019 leadership team had a chance to meet Heather last week and I received enthusiastic reports that they are excited for her get started!\u00a0 And she came away impressed by the team and equally eager to get started!<\/p>\n

I\u2019d like to thank Aaron Van Valkenberg for his stellar work as the Interim Director during this time. He has done a great job wearing several hats while Human Services has had a few key open leadership positions.\u00a0 I\u2019m relieved that with Heather\u2019s arrival Aaron will be able to lose one of those hats!<\/p>\n

Before I close, I want to be sure to encourage you to recognize your talented colleagues by nominating them for a Standing Ovation Award<\/a>.\u00a0 I know that we work with folks who are doing great work to support our goals to create vibrant communities, foster an entrepreneurial climate and design ways for operate a more effective government.\u00a0 So, please take the time to get those nominations in by the June 28 deadline!<\/p>\n

Thanks for reading,<\/p>\n

\"Bruce\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bruce<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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